Rio Grande Valley State Park
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Established by the State Legislature in 1983, this Park is managed cooperatively by the Open Space Division and the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD). The 4,300-acre park extends from Sandia Pueblo in the north through Albuquerque and south to Isleta Pueblo.
The Rio Grande bosque offers a unique environment in arid Albuquerque. Large cottonwood trees, coyote willow, and New Mexico olive create a cool, shady forest and provide habitat for beaver, numerous bird species, turtles, and snakes.
Recreation
Low-impact recreation such as hiking, bicycling, mountain biking, in-line skating and horseback riding are allowed on the Paseo del Bosque paved trail or the natural surface trail beneath the cottonwood trees. The Paseo del Bosque trail is approximately 16 miles in length from Alameda Blvd. to Rio Bravo Blvd. and runs along the east side of the river. Natural surface trails run along both sides of the river intermittently and a myriad of unmarked trails wind throughout the bosque.
The Rio Grande Valley State Park Trail Map provides a guide to access points in the park system.
Hours of Operation
April - October: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PMNovember - March: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Points Of Interest
*Please remember to pack out all your trash or use the receptacles available in designated picnic areas!
Alameda / Rio Grande Open Space
From the Paseo del Bosque trail ducks, geese and other wildlife can be viewed enjoying the Alameda Wetland. This constructed wetland is intended to replicate the natural wetlands that historically occupied the floodplain of the Rio Grande.
Distinguished cottonwoods shade two picnic areas at the northeast corner of the Alameda bridge from the New Mexico sun.
Alameda offers ample parking and easily accommodates horse trailers. Access is on the southeast side of the Alameda Blvd. bridge.
Calabacillas Arroyo
A trailhead and parking for the Rio Grande Valley State Park. Calabacillas is located on the westside of the river 1/10 mile north of Paseo del Norte on Coors Rd. to Westside Drive, east to dirt levee road, and east to dirt parking lot.
Shining River Parking Area
This parking area provides quick access to the Paseo del Bosque multi-use trail and the bosque trail system. It also offers designated parking for horse trailers.
Access from Rio Grande Blvd. on the southwest side of Paseo del Norte.
Rio Grande Nature Center (RGNC)
The Rio Grande Nature Center, managed by New Mexico State Parks, is a wonderful and educational visitor center. The Nature Center overlooks a thriving pond that attracts a variety of wildlife including Canada geese, sandhill cranes, several species of ducks, and coyote.
A two-mile loop trail guides visitors under the cottonwood canopy to sandy point bars along the Rio Grande. To the north of the Nature Center visitors can observe wildlife enjoying the Candelaria Farm Wetland Preserve. The Wetland is part of an ongoing effort to restore lost habitat in the Rio Grande floodplain.
The Nature Center is located at the end of Candelaria Rd. west of Rio Grande Blvd.
Pueblo Montano Picnic Area and Trailhead
This multi-use recreational facility provides West-side access to the bosque trail-system; dedicated ADA and equestrian-parking areas; and an ADA-accessible picnic area with interpretive educational signage for the public to enjoy.
Pueblo Montano is located south of Montano Road; east of Coors Boulevard; and west of the Rio Grande river.
Rio Bravo Riverside Picnic Area, Fishing Pier, and Nature
Trail
A fully accessible ¼-mile loop trail winds under a canopy of cottonwoods, passing by the quiet flow of the Rio Grande. Visitors can picnic at one of three sites or fish for rainbow trout from the fully accessible fishing pier. The Paseo del Bosque trail may also be accessed from the parking area.
To access the Rio Bravo Riverside Picnic Area take Rio Bravo Blvd. west from Broadway. Before the bridge turn right onto Poco Loco Rd. and follow it directly west into the parking area.
Rio del Norte Picnic Area
The Rio del Norte Picnic Area on the east side of the Rio Grande can be accessed via the Paseo del Bosque multi-use trail. There are several spaces to lock your bike here. Vehicle access is north of Central Avenue and west of Tingley Drive near the Albuquerque Biological Park. Limited parking spaces are available.
A fully accessible loop trail winds under a shady canopy of cottonwoods. There are a number of large picnic tables located along the trail and near the parking area. The trail provides excellent views of the river and migratory wildlife such as ducks, geese, and Sandhill cranes. The fully accessible trail connects to longer walking trails through the bosque.